Odisha to bring sharecroppers bill in monsoon session

Odisha Government is all set to introduce a new bill in the upcoming monsoon session of the Assembly to safeguard the interests of the sharecroppers of the state.

“We want to table the bill in the monsoon session of the Assembly and expect that the law will be in force by October,” said Revenue Minister Bijayshree Routray speaking to reporters today after taking part in the second day of two-day long Collectors’ Conference being held at the Secretariat.

In order to make the law more effective, the State Government, so far has taken suggestions from sharecroppers and public of 20 districts. Minister Routray today asked the collectors to accelerate the process further and ensure that the suggestions are received from all 30 districts by August.

Opposition Congress and BJP, however, called this a political move.

“Not only this, but the government has also announced a slew of measures through the Collectors’ Conference. However, this is not an honest attempt. Chief Minister is trying to fire from the collector’s shoulders. He is going to issue transfer orders as efficiently, if they can’t bring in Zilla Parishad Chairman seats in the upcoming panchayat polls. This is his strategy,” accused Oppostion Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati.

BJP leader Prithiviraj Harichandan also seemed to agree.

“With an eye on the panchayat polls, the government woke up from its deep slumber. They are not serious about implementation of long term plans. This is an evil attempt by the government to use the collectors towards their political end,” said Harichandan.